We've been nominated for a UK Theatre Award!

We're delighted to announce we've been nominated for a UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Workforce Culture! The nomination's for our Associate Director Scheme - "Breaking the Mould - Reshaping Artistic Leadership" - recognising its impact on developing the next generation of artistic leaders.

Launched in 2017, the 18-month, fully paid role was designed to give talented directors the tools, experience and confidence to step into artistic leadership. Alongside assisting or directing mainstage productions, each Associate Director becomes a full member of SJT’s Senior Management Team, attends board meetings, and receives one-to-one mentoring from the Artistic and Executive Directors.

The scheme quickly became focused on breaking down barriers faced by directors from under-represented and working-class backgrounds, for whom opportunities to progress into leadership roles are often limited.

The results speak for themselves. All three of the SJT’s past Associate Directors have gone on to significant leadership roles: Lotte Wakeham is now Artistic Director of the Bolton Octagon, Chelsey Gillard is Artistic Director at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, and Kash Arshad is Youth Theatre Director for Northern Broadsides Theatre Company. Each has spoken about how the scheme gave them the skills, networks and confidence to step into these positions.

Paul Robinson and Caroline Routh, Joint Chief Executives of the SJT, say:

“We’re thrilled Breaking the Mould - Reshaping Artistic Leadership has been recognised with this nomination!

"We designed it to fill a gap in opportunity for directors ready to take the next step into leadership, and the fact that our alumni are now running theatres across the UK shows just how vital this kind of support can be.

"Theatre needs leaders from all backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives and resilience. We’re proud the SJT is helping to make that a reality, and grateful to UK Theatre for celebrating this work.”

Chantell Walker, current Associate Director (2024–26), added:

“This role has been life-changing.

"As a working-class woman from a non-theatre background, I sometimes felt I didn’t belong in the industry. Being part of the SJT has given me confidence, skills and a real understanding of how a theatre is run. I’ve not only grown as a director, but also found my voice as a leader.”

The winners of the UK Theatre Awards 2025 will be announced at a ceremony in London on Sunday 12 October 2025 - keep your fingers crossed for us!